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Following the eruption of border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, at least 12 individuals have lost their lives, according to Thai authorities.
Each side blames the other for initiating the violence, marking a severe upturn in their長期 border dispute.
Initially, the Thai military reported nine civilian deaths, indicating six fatalities in Sisaket province, two in Surin province, and one in Ubon Ratchathani province. Moreover, at least 17 people have been injured based on their reports.
Cambodia has not released its own casualty figures but asserts that Thai fighter jets bombed a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
Tensions sparked Thursday morning near the Ta Muen Thom temple, situated on the border of Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.
These tensions have been building since a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border clash in May.
The Thai military stated that six armed Cambodian soldiers fired shots near a military station on Thursday, while Cambodia accused Thailand of triggering the recent clashes.
Cambodia’s foreign ministry denounced Thailand’s actions in the strongest terms, urging them to halt their aggressive stances. In response, Thailand’s foreign ministry expressed a desire to end the situation.
“The Royal Thai Government demands that Cambodia assumes responsibility for the recent incidents, stops attacks on both civilian and military targets, and ceases actions infringing on Thailand’s sovereignty,” the statement read.
Since Wednesday, both countries have lowered their diplomatic relations. Cambodia recalled its diplomatic staff and expelled the Thai ambassador on Thursday. Thailand sealed off all land borders with Cambodia after a land mine explosion on Wednesday injured five Thai soldiers, one severely.
Thai authorities claim that Cambodian forces have been laying mines in previously secure areas, a charge Cambodia denies, attributing the mines to past conflicts.
This border dispute originates from more than a century ago, following the end of France’s rule over Cambodia.
Additional sources • AP
